Neon

I've been a fan of Chris Young for quite some time now, but have always been worried that he could slip up at any time and fall off of people's radar. After purchasing and listening to this new album, I don't think that is going to be a problem he will have to face. For most people, the only song from this album that you'll already know is Tomorrow. Tomorrow is a great song, but I haven't quite decided yet if I think it is the best. My favorite song, the title track Neon, is probably not one that I would expect to be released as a single to radio. However, I find it to be the song I am always drawn back to. Lost, You, Old Love Feels New, and Flashlight have all the makings of chart climbing singles. Save Water Drink Beer is probably one of my least favorites, but is still one of those lighthearted songs that will entertain large crowds.Overall, this is a great COUNTRY album from one of the ever shrinking true COUNTRY artists out there. It's superbly entertaining from beginning to end. That, in and of itself, says a lot about Chris' dedication to putting out a great album. Too often these days it seems like artists release albums with 2-3 good songs and then a bunch of filler with no heart or soul behind them. This album is the exception to that rule and I for one hope Chris Young gets the recognition he deserves for such a fine album

So as the story goes I was driving my friend's car home one night, I had just dropped her off at the airport. When I turned on the radio which was set the country station- Im more of a mix 80-90's person myself, but I heard Chris Young's Tomorrow. Ever since then I have been infatuated with his music. This album is a great starter if you dont know Chris Young. The title song actually became my favorite- I love how he soulfully describes the colors in the first verse of Neon, he's definitely got a big country voice and I am looking forward to when I can see him perform live.

I just found out about Chris Young a couple months ago. I feel like I am getting to the party a little late but it has been fun getting caught up. Can't say enough about this guy's amazing voice--it's something I haven't heard in ANY genre in a long time. This album is a total package, too--no filler anywhere. My favorite songs are "Lost", "Old Love Feels New" and "You". Very enjoyable listening. Looking forward to the new release next month. But honestly, the man could sing the phone book, instruction manuals, recipes--he's that good.

All I can say is wow. Chris Young keeps getting better! He is such a talent. He sings great songs that touch the heart and he is so before his time. He can sing about anything and make it sound good. He has come a long way. His chart topping hit "Tomorrow" is a great song and is good for a slow dance. Neon reminds me of all the neon signs I see at night. That includes fast food places! I can't wait for him to go on tour someday. Keep making good music Chris and please come to Branson, Missouri!

There's no question about it...Chris Young is, without a shred of doubt, the most successful WINNER to hit the charts via the "Nashville Star" machine (CONTESTANT is another story...he still has a ways to go before he catches up to Miranda Lambert!). And it's a success that's well deserved ~ 2007's debut effort, while straddled with a lot of hit and miss material, showcased a voice that's the real deal. That voice was perfectly matched up with a handful of brilliant songs on 2009's sophomore release THE MAN I WANT TO BE, an album that made it VERY clear....Chris Young had arrived...and, much like Lambert, he was here to stay! Such a strong second effort had me expecting big things for disc #3. Sadly, we have a mixed bag here (In fact, this really is a 3.5 star disc...I just rounded up because I believe in the kid so much!)...when NEON is good, it's very, very good. In fact, Young could very well grow into the storyteller of his generation. However, when it's below par to bad ~ and we're talking almost the entire first half of the album here! ~ it's VERY bad, coming across as generic, calculated and unoriginal. And Young is so much better than that. The album opens with the upbeat "I Can Take It From There." With it's gently bopping arrangement and relaxed, smooth lead vocal, this is a pretty enjoyable cut. In fact, in the "old days", this would have made a great "album cut"...side two, track four. However, leading into the next three songs, it becomes very clear...there's nothing SPECIAL about it....ANYONE could have written or sung this song. This generic vibe continues over the next two cuts. "Lost" and "Tomorrow" are such blatant attempts at "radio friendly" writing that both tracks should have 30 second leads-ins from Young saying "Play me!" The sad thing is that, by trying too hard, Young lets his craft suffer...the former is too bouncy and giddy, while the latter is overwrought and over the top (Yes, I know "Tomorrow" has become a big hit, but I think that has more to say about the state of Country radio and it's narrow-mindedness than it does about the song's merits). And, yes, I know that no artist can survive without airplay, but look at THE MAN I WANT TO BE....all of it's hits were smart, original story/songs that didn't pander to any one or thing. Though Young sounds good here, both tracks remind me of the first album....material that just doesn't do that voice justice. Then there's "Save Water, Drink Beer", without a doubt the album's low point. The whole "clever title" thing is SO passe...it's now been done to death! Once again, it seems as if Young is pandering here, this time to the lowest common denominator. Please, Chris....you're better than this! Things finally turn around, grow up and kick into gear with the disc's lovely title track. With it's honest, earthy lead vocal, subdued arrangement and picturesque lyrics ("The sun can do the job in the daytime/But the moon ain't quite bright enough/To light up the way/For people like us/Just like a beachside beacon/Calling all the ships back home"), this could have easily been a brilliant cover of a lost Rodney Crowell gem. Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! The same goes for "Old Love Feels New." I think one of the main things that hit me so hard about THE MAN... was it's appreciation and celebration of family ~ I'd just lost my mom a few months before the album's release, and I saw her in so much of the disc's material. Ditto "Old Love Feels New"....this is my mom and dad, a couple who, after almost 63 years together, were crazier about each other on the day Mom passed than they were on their wedding day..and that's saying a lot. All I can say is...thank you, Chris! "You" has a nice, soulful groove to it, something Young displayed on the last album (to perfect effect!) with "Rainy Night In Georgia." There's nothing forced or calculated here...THIS is the real Chris Young....and I like it! Natural, relaxed, honest...THIS is the kind of music this young man needs to be making! The same can be said about "Flashlight." Young seems to have an innate ability to ...get...real America (I was going to say "middle", but that would be too limiting!)...everyone has experienced one or two of the small moments he writes about in songs like this, and that is such a rare gift. A simple line like "But I sure did learn a lot/Just holdin' the flashlight" has such power...and truth...and emotion. Another one of NEON's true gems! "When She's On" isn't nearly as deep or profound, but it's just as real....the song perfectly captures the way "The One" can still take your breath away, whether it's with "A string of pearls showin' off her suntan/And all those curls dancin' round her Ray Bans" or when she's "Down at the office in those high heels/Lookin' like a million closin' big deals." You could almost say this is "Old Love Feels New"'s kid brother....but love is love, and ain't it grand?!? The disc closes with the angelic "She's Got This Thing About Her." With it's gorgeous piano runs and swelling strings, this could have easily turned into Cheesy 101. But it's not...it's just plain lovely. When Young sings the words "Like a hymn in a cathedral hall", well, nothing more need be said. (Except this...mark my word...this song will be played and sung at weddings for years to come!). It's timeless classics like this one that I want to hear more of from Chris Young. This young man is too talented to be wasting his time on the kind of lesser material that relegates NEON to the "good" category when it could have easily been in the "great" one. C'mon, Chris....take the high road, and shine as brightly as you can! (As with all my reviews, I'm giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics).

Outstanding! Lowest price I could find and made the recipient very happy She fell in love with the songs and didn't even know who sang them or what was the name of the artist! She's happy, I'm happy.

Great CD! I bought it for my boyfriend on valentines day because we use CDs in his 66 Mustang. It was packaged nicely and I love the songs on this album!

I really love this cd. It doesn't dissapoint. Of course everyone knows the first single "Tomorrow", but my favorite is "She's Got This Thing About Her". It so beautiful, and do I have to say how sexy his voice is. I actually like this album better than his first two. It's sounds more mature than the other three. I don't think there is a song on this album that I don't like. I've had it a little less than a week, and I know all the songs. If you love true country music and Chris Young, you'll love this album.